Bayern Munich finally won the UEFA Champions League again after some agonizing and emotionally devastating final losses recently. The German champions have already improved their squad and will have Holger Badstuber fit again. Expect Bayern to run away with the Bundesliga next year. They are also being tipped by many to establish a CL dynasty and take over Barcelona’s mantle. With free spending teams such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain among others in contention, I just cannot can't see Bayern dominating Europe the way their teams of 74-75-76 did when winning three in a row. Tottenham Hotspur narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot yet again, but have no reason to be ashamed about finishing fifth. Spurs points total under first year manager Andre Villas-Boas was the club's highest ever in the Premier League era. In 18 of the previous 20 league campaigns it would have qualified for a CL spot and on three occasions Spurs would have finished as runners up. Tony Pulis was fired as manager of Stoke City, the club every fan loves to hate. Fans up and down the country were hoping to see Stoke dragged into the relegation places, but alas it was not to be. Pulis' departure gave Stoke the perfect opportunity to hire a very progressive manager and change the club's footballing image. Did they seize it? No. They appointed Mark Hughes. Do they not like football in Stoke?

The Republic of Ireland played England at Wembley on Wednesday for the first time since 1991. Both games ended 1-1 with Ireland on both occasions working hard and showing more passion and style than their more accomplished opponents. Twenty-two years ago England were ridiculed for their style of play and rigid 4-4-2 system under Graham Taylor. The more things change, the more the stay the same. Crystal Palace beat Watford in the Championship play-off to secure their place in the lucrative Premier League. It is a shame that both teams relied on loan players to achieve their success although it was great to see a model professional, Kevin Phillips score the deciding goal. It might be worth a punt on then three promoted clubs - Palace, Cardiff City, and Hull City - all being relegated at the end of next season. Celtic beat Hibernians 3-0 at Hampden Park to secure a domestic double for Neil Lennon's side. Once again their accomplishments are being played down because of the absence of Rangers from the Scottish Premier League. Who?

I am not a Manchester United fan, but was still saddened to hear that Alex Ferguson decided to step down as the club's manager. He will be missed by fans of the Premier League in particular and by football fans in general. He will go down as the greatest league manager in the English game, but I am not sure he can lay claim to the title of best British manager ever. That title might belong to Bob Paisley or Jock Stein with Brian Clough also factoring into the debate.

The United States were outclassed by a vibrant and attractive Belgium in Ohio. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side should not be judged on one friendly loss, but if his team slips up in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, his position will be called into question.